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YCCS BVI is an upward mobility in tourism – Premier [Photoslide Included]

- Officially opened its doors on Jan. 3
The clubhouse will cater to the needs of guests on the yachts. Photo: Victor BVI
NORTH SOUND, Virgin Gorda, VI – Against the magnificent backdrop of super yachts moored in the marina, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) BVI Clubhouse was officially opened amid great fanfare last evening, Tuesday January 3, 2012 in North Sound, Virgin Gorda.

The clubhouse, which includes a reception area, club room, dining room and an outside bar overlooking the swimming pool with a stunning view of North Sound, can accommodate up to 300 guests for events. The Club’s concierge yacht service will offer catering for visiting yachts.

This will complement the state-of-the-art marina that can accommodate 38 yachts up to 100 meters in length (328 feet) and a draft of up to 6 meters (20 feet).

According to Premier Dr. D Orlando Smith, it is an upward mobility of the tourism product.

"Some would say this puts us down on the cutting edge of the world tourism market. I would simply say that nothing less was expected from the Territory that is a world renowned natural beauty, its warm and friendly people and an achievement that made it a wonder of the world,” Hon. Smith declared at the ceremony.

He pinpointed to the many private jets that arrived at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport over the holidays and many of the owners took to the sea in super yachts to sail around the VI’s water.

“So it did not surprise me although I must confess that it makes me proud that the president of the YCCS His Highness the Aga Khan selected Virgin Gorda as the new Caribbean base for which to carry on a tradition in sailing excellence," he further stated.

Hon. Premier added that the Highness philanthropy and his drive for excellence are indications that the VI is held in high regard and the Territory’s "good name continues to be shouted from the highest heights of the international community”.

“Tourism is the cornerstone of the economy,” the Premier, who is also the Minister for Tourism, stated.

Meanwhile, David Johnson of Victor International Corporation was lauded for his vision and dedication in the tourism industry.

According to Premier Smith, he knew Johnson in 2005 and he came across to him as a man on a mission “looking for the ultimate place for his generational resort community and his super yacht marina”.

[slideshow]

“When an investor comes to our shores and raise more than $100M in the most difficult economic environment and succeeds in doing so without debt, that is the kind of courage that builds strong businesses and strong communities,” Premier Smith charged.

Additionally, he stated that he realised after last year’s super yacht regatta that the major benefactor was the people of the Virgin Islands. Premier Smith also noted that the CNN Business recognises the YCCS as one of 10 new mega yacht facilities in the world.

Meanwhile, Johnson told the large gathering that from age 10 he was in awe of the sailing scenery while he was walking on the docks of the famous Detroit Yacht Club, and told himself that someday he would “build something like this that is better for the biggest boats”.

For 10 years Johnson searched for the ideal location in the Caribbean and admitted the “consistent winner continued to be the BVI in every category, magnificent waters, unique unparallel psychical beauty , safety and economic stability and a Government that embraces responsible development for tourism and people as a whole.”

The humble entrepreneur further stated he viewed his role as a guest of the VI.

Governor Boyd McCleary also delivered brief remarks. Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr. Kedrick Pickering were among the invited guests.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to cocktails and a scrumptious dinner before dancing the night away.

21 Responses to “YCCS BVI is an upward mobility in tourism – Premier [Photoslide Included]”

  • police officer-west end (04/01/2012, 09:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the work of the VIP bearing fruits!
    • Real Talk (04/01/2012, 10:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What VIP? Johnson was one of the same one they called INVADERS that VIP rant against in 2007 and cost NDP the elections. Same with Scrub Island and a few others in VG. Go do your research before chatting nonsense.
      • not this time (04/01/2012, 16:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        ha ha look you NDP always trying to rewrite History but it will not play or work next elections
    • Vg Man (04/01/2012, 11:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Elections "DONE" next one is in 2015
  • Ann (04/01/2012, 10:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    tis impressive vino me loving your photo slide!
  • Lorna Green (04/01/2012, 10:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where are the local people at this function? we are truly being cast aside in our own country. The majority didnt even know about this function. Sorry for us BVI!
    • billy b (04/01/2012, 12:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I guess the only kinda black people who will stay there is people like Melanie Amoro
    • tell the truth (04/01/2012, 12:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      TO LORNA GREEN; Locals? No locals allowed under this NDP government!..the island people and others rule mehson... wake up BVI where is Ms. Parsons and Ronnie when we need them???
    • Blind (04/01/2012, 13:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Are you blind or an idiot. The slide show shows much more locals (especially blacks) than any other ethnicity.
      • billy b (04/01/2012, 14:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        that's a coverup for the opening smarty pants. I'm NDP all the way; however, man Im used to the game. Try going there after now!!!!
      • Miss Cleo (04/01/2012, 16:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Blind you are the blind one. Billy B is spot on! Anywayz I forsee BVI Investment Club finding a fancy way to supply fuel to BVIEC.
        • Real Talk (04/01/2012, 19:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          And so what if they do? Aren't they BVIslanders? Aren't you guys the ones ranting and raving about too much people coming into our country? You have problems with your own people as well? So the place should just come to a stand still as long as you're not the one benefitting financially? LOL! Are you serious? You would rather pay over the top rates with a foreign entity benefitting fully than to potentially pay less while locals benefit? And you wonder why we are in the position we are in this place? I can see now why some locals rather stay up under the white/expat because their own people turn on them like hungry wolves as soon as they make something of themselves. TRULY SAD!
  • Aww (04/01/2012, 11:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Beautiful!
  • yep (04/01/2012, 11:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    yes sah, look lorna, jus like she
  • Holetown (04/01/2012, 13:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well, I saw one former representative in red at this event. Her face has not been seen at any public event since elections but she is right entitled at this function. I hope we are watching Virgin Gorda closely and its development and that this is not an offshoot of St. John, USVirgin Islands. In all we do, think about the future of our country.
    • billy b (04/01/2012, 15:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      i was saying the same thing about she, but then again havent you seen another former rep for the fifth district?
  • Valley (04/01/2012, 16:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    let's hope our people are not reduced to making bed and washing dishes....
    • Real Talk (04/01/2012, 19:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Locals like Trefor Grant, Kenneth Molyneaux, Mr. Al Henley, Mr. Sprauve (mine shaft), Neil Cline, even Hon. Walwyn and many others in the hospitality industry are not dishwashers and bed makers. They're locals who took the time out to become qualified and experienced in their trade, they had the right attitude and now they're reaping the fruits of their labour! What is your point? As long as people are willing to put in work to get to the top, they will!! It's not anybody's responsibility to 'give' our people jobs! Research how much it costs a company to recruit from overseas and add the risk of them being a complete waste of time upon arrival. Then compare it to finding a qualified local with the right attitude...
  • Right Sed Fred (04/01/2012, 19:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Last night was a dread function. Boat from Trellis to da Nort Sound was all local people some white people but mostly Tolian's. Good to see. Only ting I could say is dese rich people gawn talk NDP into making a longa runway and da is studedness.
  • Peter Crumble (04/01/2012, 20:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Happy that this is for foreigners only...
  • question (04/01/2012, 22:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    good project butis it for we???


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